Queensland Expands 'Adult Crime, Adult Time' Policy

Queensland's government has introduced an expansion of its 'Adult Crime, Adult Time' policy, which aims to try juvenile offenders as adults for a total of 33 serious offences. Premier David Crisafulli announced the addition of 20 new crimes, including rape, attempted murder, arson, and trafficking dangerous drugs, following recommendations from an Expert Legal Panel. This legislative move responds to public outrage and aims to prioritize victim rights and community safety by imposing stricter penalties. The changes come after incidents like a 13-year-old boy allegedly stabbing a supermarket worker, where existing laws were deemed insufficient. Despite the tougher penalties, the government emphasizes early intervention and rehabilitation as part of its broader strategy to curb youth crime. The opposition critiques the process as rushed but the government maintains these measures are essential for reducing crime and ensuring public safety.